Angélica C Villalobos Rivera, MPAS, PA-C

🇺🇸 English

An Interview

Raised in Puerto Rico, Angélica C. Villalobos Rivera, MPAS, PA-C, is committed to serving the community that shaped her. As a PA-C practicing on the island, she brings both dedication and heart to her work while helping patients and colleagues better understand the growing role of PAs in Puerto Rico. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to improving access to care, giving back, and helping move the profession forward.

Q&A with Angélica:

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey to becoming a PA.

I grew up in Puerto Rico, and from an early age I noticed how difficult it can be for people to get the care they need, and that really stayed with me. It’s what pushed me toward a career in healthcare, where I knew I could make a real difference in people’s lives.

I actually learned about Physician Assistants through social media, since the profession isn’t very well known on the island. The more I looked into it, the more it made sense for me. It felt like a way to be directly involved in improving access to care while also giving back to the community I grew up in. Since then, my goal has been to serve Puerto Rico in a meaningful way, and becoming a PA felt like the right path to get there.

What inspired you to pursue the PA profession?

What inspired me to pursue the PA profession was how closely it aligned with my own goals. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I saw firsthand how shortages of healthcare professionals can affect access to care. I wanted a career that would allow me to help address those gaps and make a meaningful difference in my community.

Another aspect that drew me to the profession was its flexibility. I love learning and exploring new interests, so the opportunity to work in different specialties throughout my career was especially appealing. The PA profession offered the perfect combination of serving patients, improving access to healthcare, and having the freedom to grow and evolve professionally.

What has your experience been like practicing as a PA in Puerto Rico?

I currently work at an ENT and Aesthetics clinic and I’m fortunate to work with a physician from the mainland U.S. who has firsthand experience working with PAs and understands the value we bring to patient care. Because the profession is still relatively new in Puerto Rico, many physicians aren't fully familiar with the PA role or how we can be utilized within a healthcare team. Working with a physician who trusts me and encourages a collaborative approach has allowed me to practice to the full extent of my training.

That experience has also given me opportunities to educate patients about the PA profession. When patients see the level of trust and collaboration between my supervising physician and me, it helps build their confidence in my role and abilities as well. There is still work to be done when it comes to PA awareness and legislation in Puerto Rico, but for now, I try to do my part by educating patients and helping them better understand the role PAs play in healthcare.

What advice would you give to PA students, recent graduates, or those considering practicing in Puerto Rico?

My advice would be not to let the current challenges discourage you. Practicing as a PA in Puerto Rico isn't always easy. There is still a lot of confusion about what PAs do, many people don't fully understand our role, and there are legislative barriers that limit what we can do.

But things won't change unless more PAs choose to stay and practice here. Every PA who works on the island helps increase awareness of the profession and shows patients, physicians, and healthcare organizations the value we bring. There is strength in numbers, and Puerto Rico needs more PAs. If you're passionate about serving our communities, I encourage you to get involved, support the profession, and be part of helping it grow.

What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of?

Staying on the island and serving my community. Even though it can be frustrating at times with some of the limitations around the PA profession here, I’m really proud to be able to give back to the place that has given me so much.

Perspective Question:

Given Puerto Rico's unique licensing pathway, what are your thoughts on the current structure where both PA graduates and certain medical school graduates may obtain the Médico Asistente license?

I think the current structure can create confusion for both patients and healthcare professionals. When different roles are grouped under the same title, it can make it harder for patients to clearly understand who is providing their care and what their training background is. I also think it can make it more challenging for PAs to establish a clear professional identity.

I understand the intent behind allowing more healthcare professionals to help address the shortage on the island, especially with the current healthcare crisis. I think it’s important to support efforts that expand access to care, but it’s also important to maintain clear distinctions between roles so patients can feel informed and confident about who is treating them.

Fun facts:

Favorite food or restaurant: My favorite food will always be my grandmother’s arroz blanco with pollo guisado and amarillitos. It’s comfort food for me. I’m also obsessed with the pistachio maritozzi from Panoteca San Miguel.

Something people would be surprised to learn about you: I own a crochet business, follow @Punto13crochet on Instagram!

Closing Remarks:

Angélica’s story highlights the dedication of PA-Cs who choose to build their careers while serving the communities they call home. Through her work, patient education, and commitment to increasing awareness of the profession, she is helping pave the way for future generations of PA-Cs in Puerto Rico. As the profession continues to grow on the island, voices like hers remind us that meaningful change begins with those willing to stay, serve, and lead by example. 🌟

🇵🇷 Resumen en Español

Resumen de Entrevista

Criada en Puerto Rico, Angélica C. Villalobos Rivera, MPAS, PA-C, descubrió la profesión de Physician Assistant a través de las redes sociales y rápidamente reconoció que era una forma de combinar su interés por la salud con su deseo de servir a las comunidades de la isla. Desde entonces, ha enfocado su carrera en ayudar a mejorar el acceso a la atención médica y en aumentar el conocimiento sobre la profesión de PA en Puerto Rico.

Actualmente trabaja en una clínica de otorrinolaringología y estética, donde valora la colaboración con un médico que comprende y apoya plenamente el rol de los PA-Cs dentro del equipo de salud. Esta experiencia también le ha permitido educar a pacientes y colegas sobre la profesión, contribuyendo a una mayor comprensión de las funciones y capacidades de los PA-Cs.

Aunque reconoce que aún existen retos relacionados con el reconocimiento y la legislación de la profesión en Puerto Rico, mantiene una visión optimista sobre el futuro. Considera que el crecimiento de la profesión depende de que más PA-Cs decidan permanecer en la isla, involucrarse en la comunidad y demostrar el valor que aportan al cuidado de los pacientes.

Entre sus mayores orgullos profesionales se encuentra el poder servir a su propia comunidad y contribuir al bienestar de Puerto Rico. Fuera de la medicina, disfruta del crochet y es propietaria de un pequeño negocio dedicado a esta pasión creativa.